Using engineered immune cells to treat Candida infections
Official title: Bio-engineered Cell Therapy to Treat Candidiasis
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10809857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using special immune cells to help people with weakened immune systems, like those with blood cancers, fight off Candida infections while keeping their good gut bacteria safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 26, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $251,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI167031-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with hematological malignancies or those who are immunocompromised and at risk for Candida infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for Candida infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of cell therapy using CAR-T cells and CAR-Macrophages to combat Candida infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with blood cancers. The approach aims to enhance the body's immune response against these opportunistic fungal infections while preserving the beneficial gut bacteria. By creating specialized CAR constructs that target Candida, the research seeks to provide long-term protection and reduce the risk of severe infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients at high risk of Candida infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with CAR-T cell therapies in treating other conditions, indicating potential for this novel approach to be effective against Candida infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Pappanaicken Rangasamy — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Pappanaicken Rangasamy
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.